Sunday 1 March 2020


LOVING THE LINDY-HOP

What Is Lindy-Hop & Why Is Everyone In Love With It?



If there's one word we would use to define the Lindy-Hop it would be 'FUN'. The only proof we need is a quick search on YouTube. Smiles, euphoria and good vibes fill the dance-floor. But what is Lindy-hop and why is it so popular these days? Well, we're going to tell you all about it!




What is Lindy Hop?

Considered the original swing dance, Lindy Hop is a fusion of many different dances like the Charleston, jazz, tap or breakaway. Also known as the “jitterbug”, the Lindy Hop is a fascinating dance that can be both wild and crazy, with fast moves and incredible aerial acrobatics, or relaxed smooth and sophisticated when danced to slower tempos.
Lindy Hop is a “social” dance, thanks to its close connections to the dance ballrooms in America, which means everyone is welcome! We mainly dance with partners where one dancer leads and the other follows and it’s a great way to meet people and make new friends. Regardless of your age, your level of fitness or if you’re a total beginner, once you got the Lindy bug, there’s no way to stop!




History of Lindy Hop

Lindy-Hop was born in Harlem, New York, during the 20’s and became really popular during the Swing Era of the 30’s and 40’s. Lindy-Hop is considered a cultural phenomenon, as it managed to break down the segregation that was still rampant in America thanks, in part, to the Savoy Ballroom. There were many dance ballrooms in New York but it was the Savoy that saw Lindy-Hop first flourishing inside its doors and was a place where everyone was welcome to dance, share moves and inspire each other, no matter their skin colour.

The term ‘Lindy-Hop’ is normally attributed to a famous Harlem dancer who came up with the name after a dance marathon, in reference to Charles Lindbergh, who flew solo from New York to Paris and in relation to a newspaper headline ‘Lindy Hops The Atlantic’. The dancer quoted his dance style as ‘Lindy-Hop’ to a journalist and the name stuck! 



Are Lindy Hop and Swing the same thing?

Generally speaking, “swing” is an umbrella term used to describe all those types of dances that used jazz and swing music. Dance styles like the Charleston, Balboa, Lindy- Hop & Shag are all considered Swing dancing and they all evolved to match jazz’s popularity in the 30’s. If we’re talking about Lindy-Hop, we’re just referring to one of the different swing types of dances, with its own moves and rules. 



Where Can I Learn?

We teach Lindy-Hop every Tuesday Night at Swaffham Community Centre. Doors open 7.45pm, the class starts at 8pm. We break the class into two parts with a break and practice time. Doors close at 10.30pm. We are lucky to have a fun friendly group and always make newcomers fell welcome.

You can find more details here on our website:
Lindy-Hop Classes - Swaffham - NW Norfolk

Or come and join our Facebook Group
Jump Jive & Swing


As mentioned above, Lindy Hop is a social dance, which means you’ll find a lot of different communities and local dance clubs all around Britain waiting for you with open arms! If you’re outside of our area a google search will soon show you what Swing-dance communities are in your area.

If you’re curious about learning the dance but aren’t completely sold on the idea, you could try a one-day Lindy Hop beginner experience, see what it is about and learn the basics dance patterns. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook Group for future events. 



What should I wear to dance Lindy Hop?

Here comes one of the best parts of swing dancing: the clothes! If there’s something that will immediately catch your attention when looking at Lindy Hop dancers, it’s their clothes. Beautiful and colourful vintage dresses and skirts for the ladies, and classy-looking trousers and shirts for the guys, that’s what you would normally be wearing once you jump into the Lindy Hop world.

For classes it's best to stick to loose fitting comfortable clothes. A class is aimed at improving your skills and a not the same as a social dance or vintage event. 

For both genres, it’s extremely important to be wearing proper swing shoes that will allow you to keep up with the upbeat music! Most common options are low heels or low top sneakers for women and Charleston-like shoes for men. Keep it simple for classes and once you've decided you've been bitten by the Lindy-Bug consider making an investment in good shoes. Just go on a quick search in Google and you’ll be spoilt for choices!


How long does it take to learn?
You might have heard this one too many times, but it does really depend! Everyone learns at a different pace and some people have a natural talent while others have to put in some hard work.

Although the 6-count step basics can be learnt in a few hours, it’s the amount of practice that you put afterwards that really counts! Our best advice? Go to all your dance lessons, learn from your peers and don’t rush it! Once you’re comfortable with the dance floor, we recommend you going to a social dance event, which gives you the opportunity of dancing with people from all levels and it’s the best way to keep improving and perfecting your dance style. 


Anything Else You Should Know?
There a few common sense & etiquette things dancers should follow.

If you want to ask someone to dance, do so politely. Normally a “Would you like to dance?” or “May I have this dance?” is enough.

You’re allowed to reject dances. If you don’t feel comfortable dancing with someone or you just don’t feel like it, that’s fine!

Maintain a good level of hygiene. If you tend to sweat a lot, bring an extra clothing and use a good deodorant.

Be careful around crowded floors. Try to not go crazy on moves that will take too much space and avoid colliding with others.

Dance safely and considerately with you partner injuries are not cool
.
And that’s just a little taste of everything that the world of Lindy Hop has to offer. The rest is up for you to discover!

Want to find out more about us and our classes?
Feel free to reach out to us via our website contact page

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